The LIV Tour Discussion Thread
- 606
Hey pga tour let's talk about liv when there is an actual good finish going.
- 3488
After watching a little bit of LIV Thurs/Fri, the PGA is clearly the better product.
- 904
This might have been best case scenario this weekend for pga tour. Huge showdown between JT Rory and finau. Got spicy at the end for a minute. With a big Rory win and fans going crazy. Although. Jays interview wasn’t strong. And he completely ignored the question of the suspensions and if the players will ever be allowed back. It was a tactful dodge that left the door open. So. We will have an interesting next couple of months.
- 3112
Jim Nantz’s interview with Jay was insightful, the way Jim kept trying to lead Jay down the terrorism sponsoring line of thinking was annoying and it’s clear it’s personal with Jay.
- 481
So you're cool with an unlimited supply of money funding whatever they feel like...regardless of their politics or atrocities???
- Edited
- 3112
Bro don't take this response the wrong way, as it's not all directed at you, but your reply does touch a nerve.
If you are referring to the concept of Saudi money washing, I don't think it's fair for us a public to require a small group of washed up pro golfers to take on that fight.
In the same vein that I'm not trying to burn F1 drivers for not taking a firmer stance on not allowing the F1 organization to take on a ten year contract for Saudi GP race.
I'm not calling Newcastle footballers terrorists for taking lucrative contracts from their ownership.
If I have an issue with an entity like the Saudi government, it's on me to express my actions and refuse Saudi money. I, for the record, do take their actions of repressing free speech as uncalled for.
I also understand people may be disappointed or disagree with the decisions that some of these LIV players have made, and even go far as to say their moral compasses are a bit misaligned.
But for people to judge and label someone as a terrorist for accepting that money is unfair. While I could disagree with their actions, the vitriol with the "by extension" and proxy arguments that DJ and Phil Mickelson are sponsors of terrorism are being thrown out there I won't participate in.
Take that one step further, and if you are a fan of the LIV Tour, you are thereby a sponsor of terrorism because you are supporting them with your time. That kind of logic doesn't resonate with me.
So to answer your question, I think it's frustrating that Jim Nantz, Christine Brennan, and the like are doing everything they can as painting a bunch of golfers as advocates for terrorism. You think Nantz and Brennan and these pundits are pushing that agenda for national pride? Of course not right? It's to keep their voices relevant and to get eyeballs, which increases revenue. Sure I believe they have personal points, but it's not all patriotism for them, and the fact that they are trying to make others guilt into feeling like its the American PGA Tour vs. the Saudi Terrorism anti america world, is poor journalism.
Also, why is the PGA Tour mad? Are they mad because DJ is supporting terrorism by joining LIV? No they are pissed that someone dared crossed them, and the mere existence of a rival-attempting league (regardless of how crappy it is in terms of quality of golf etc) still hurts them financially. They lost DJ, Phil, Bryson, all were assets to the PGA Tour. Regardless of how many majors they win, they still had followings, and even if a small percentage of those fans leave, it's still a blow to the tour.
But even then, the level of anger that the PGA and the organizations in its pockets are going after LIV Tour is still not reconcilable in my mind.
Which leads me to what I'm genuinely curious about, at the end of the day, is this one big personal fight between PGA Tour establishment and Greg Norman and Phil?
The part I'm genuinely curious about is what are the details of what Norman and Phil's true beef with the tour are. (aside from revenue sharing and some of the obvious things), and seeing how visibly angry Jay was in his interview, it's clear it's personal for him too.
Don't cast me as a supporter of terrorism and the like because I'm not cursing out a bunch of has been golfers for taking some out this world paychecks and because I see people like Jim Nantz, Brandel Chamblee, and Christine Brennan as disingenuous.
I can keep going but I'll stop here.
- 481
I appreciate the well stated reply Ed. 
I'll reply more tomorrow when I can better answer you...but at no point did I use the word terrorist anywhere in my response. I do have fundamental issues with how the Saudi's function...full stop...golf or otherwise.
Ironic that there was a discussion on whether or not politics was going to be a topic of discussion on this platform...yet here we are...lol. I have zero issues with having a mature chat without making it personal. 
- 169
Eddie That picture Phil took with the Saudis at the pro am was scary, you could see him not feeling comfortable. That to me shows that these are not good people. Do I blame any pro for taking the money, no its never have to worry about anything type of money. I think what it comes down to for me is the few people that are notable why do they need more money? I under stand the dick blands, but not the Phil, DJ, IP and others that should be set already.
It feels dirty and the players unfortunately will get the questions asked for what their employers have done. This is the same in any working situation from bad decisions and bad actions. Nantz used 9/11 which was a softball for Jay to use for his anger though. Jay is angry because he let this happen when he had the PGL golden goose right in front of him and wouldn't give them the time of day.
- 3488
It is amazing that these golfers are held to a higher standard than politicians when it comes to dealings with foreign entities.
- 3112
Cdnrockies .but at no point did I use the word terrorist anywhere in my response.
Yes, my reply was initially directed to you but went way off in a different and general direction, so I don't want you to think that was intentional.
- 3112
iennis I think what it comes down to for me is the few people that are notable why do they need more money? I under stand the dick blands, but not the Phil, DJ, IP and others that should be set already.
I think this is a fair question, I asked myself if I was worth $100 million, would $200 million sway me?
So I spent 40 some odd years working to make $100 million, and then I get an offer to play twenty exhibitions and make twice that in a few years.
Oooh that's a tough call.
- Edited
- 3112
And just for the record, I've just launched a new very ambitious endeavor in my career, and during the initial initial investment round, I had the option to take some Saudi funds.
Luckily, we secured enough funding through what I perceived to be reputable sources that it wasn't needed, but I was close to having to take meetings with Saudi Royal backed investors, and having to face the decision of what would my price be to go against my ethics for the sake of myself and all those people who are going to be working for me. I'm glad it didn't get to that point, because I think when someone is in the actual hot seat, the many layers and decisions that have to be made are a lot more complicated.
- 169
Eddie I think another thing is we are all custom to older golfers still being involved in golf well into their 50's and even 60's. Now we have these younger guys that don't think that way. They want to retire at 40 and be done with pro golf. DJ doesn't seem like the type to want to play on the champions tour or be the face of Augusta. Where JT Speith Rory all seem to want that legacy. To be mentioned with the greats from before them.
- 606
Would anyone turn down liv right now if they came asking you we want one ave joe in these events. We are going to let you play the next two years, all travel is paid for, all expenses are paid for. There is really someone in this group that would turn that down?